It was my first opportunity to speak.
"Why, hired help--servants, you know.

How many does Mr.Colton keep ?" "I don't know how many he keeps," I said.

"Why should I ?" The group looked at me in amazement.

Thoph Newcomb voiced the general astonishment.
"Why should you!" he repeated.

"Why shouldn't you, you mean! You're livin' right next door to 'em, as you might say! My soul! If I was you I cal'late I'd know afore this time." "No doubt you would, Thoph.